Saint-Gobain drywall systems takes the Onyx Apartments and Hotel to a new different level

The Onyx project required a fast track, clean and lightweight solution. Saint-Gobain Gyproc provided drywall systems which were perfect and ticked all the required boxes and fitted the budget.

Project description:

The Onyx in Cape Town, South Africa provides the perfect background of timeless quality combined with wow-factor features. The apartments range from 35sqm to the expansive penthouses of over 400sqm.

Attracted by outstanding design this iconic development is a winning combination of excellent location, superb quality, excellent value and contemporary living.

The Onyx will raise the standard of design excellence and service to a level that can realistically be compared with landmark apartments in New York, London and Paris. This is a partnership project with Boutique Developer Signatura

and Nedbank CIB.

Project background:

This upmarket conversion builds on Signatura’s pioneering upscaling of another central city landmark, the Safmarine building, that now houses 167 sectional title apartments and penthouses, part of the R1.2 billion residential and hotel development known as The Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence. “You can have any colour as long as it’s black,” said Henry Ford of his Model T car – and proof that black never goes out of fashion is found in the keen interest in exceptional new apartments and penthouses at The Onyx on Cape Town’s foreshore.

What was unique or different on this project?

Doing a fast track project like this with the mix of Hotel and Residential is exciting and challenging. The design by Robert Silke’s team was great to build, as per Juan Hugo.

The Onyx investors have been beguiled by stunning harbour, V&A Waterfront and mountain views, while the location in the cultural heart of the historic Heerengracht precinct offers easy access to shops, restaurants and a brand new Virgin Active gym just metres away.

This combination of rich history with modern design and lifestyle amenities is extremely appealing to those in search of the best of contemporary Cape Town living.

The fourth floor houses a gym, outdoor cross-training track, bar and entertainment area, day spa with sauna, plus a heated indoor-outdoor pool for year-round swimming. An outdoor sundeck with a breath-taking backdrop of harbour and Table Mountain views will offer the ultimate in relaxation.

Floor five and six consists entirely of apartments managed by Newmark as hotel accommodation, with floors seven to ten each comprising 35 studio, one and two bedroom sectional title apartments. Floor 11 hosts nine two and three bedroom penthouses.

It’s said that people who choose black lead colourful lives, and the apartments will provide the perfect background of timeless quality combined with wow-factor features.

Original architectural detailing and high volume ceilings are complemented by herringbone oak finish flooring in living areas and kitchens, Smeg appliances, silver-grey walls and super-matte white builtin cupboards with black trims. The understated elegance of black powder-coated taps, mixers and accessories will be offset against classic white ceramic tiles.

Key features and achievements on this project

Lightweight, Gyproc Fire Resistant walling systems with Isover Cavity Batt setting high acoustic fire and thermal standards. Bespoke systems were created for this project in the wet areas and our Standard Saint-Gobain details and specifications developed over time in conjunction with the design and engineers to meet specific site situations. A Fire Resistant Bespoke Shaft Wall was also Specified and Installed

Interesting project facts:

•Over 500 people employed on site for a period of 12 months

•1 unit built every 2nd day

Did you know ?

Saint-Gobain Gyproc Fire Resistant systems are fire-tested and certified to provide up to 180 minutes of fire performance. They help to stop fire from spreading and, due to their unique properties, also help to slow the rise in temperature and retain the integrity of the structure. This provides added valuable time for evacuation and firefighting.

Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction markets, designs, manufactures and distributes building and high-performance materials, providing innovative solutions to the challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection.